When Learning Meets Practice

After completing his Abitur at Katharinen-Gymnasium in Ingolstadt, Jonas Kufer opts for a hands-on start to his career. He begins a commercial apprenticeship at Audi, gaining experience across different areas of the company. It soon becomes clear to him that he wants to pursue further academic qualifications without giving up his career.

Kufer enrols on the part-time bachelor’s degree programme in Digital Business at THI’s Campus for Continuing Education. In recognition of his excellent performance during his apprenticeship, Audi supports him with an employee scholarship. Although he could have reduced his working hours, he chooses not to: Monday to Thursday are spent at the company, while Fridays and Saturdays are dedicated to his studies.

For Kufer, what makes this demanding schedule work is the close connection between his studies and his day-to-day job. Now working in recruitment at Audi, he is able to apply what he learns directly, for example to streamline processes and advance digitalisation. “The practical relevance has been a real source of motivation for me,” he says. At THI, he particularly values the focused teaching and real-world applications.

With an average grade of 1.0, Kufer applies to the Bavarian Elite Academy – and successfully makes it through the selection process.

The foundation supports outstanding and socially engaged students at Bavarian universities, preparing them to take on leadership roles and positions of responsibility. Kufer is particularly looking forward to exchanging ideas across disciplines, building new connections and gaining international experience.

Beyond work and university, Kufer has strong ties to the region: he supports FC Ingolstadt and volunteers with the Dünzing Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Kufer plans to complete his bachelor’s degree by February 2027. After that, he could see himself pursuing an MBA in IT Management. What has driven him along the way is remarkably straightforward: he attributes his success above all to the experience of being able to put what he learns directly into practice.